Andrew Binder: Conspiracy Deliracy

Andrew Binder's Conspiracy Deliracy builds a themed program that combines modern jazz sensibilities with the intriguing world of conspiracy theories. At the core of the album are Binder's compositions, which find inspiration in today's popular music and combine that with jazz and classical compositional techniques. Each piece explores various conspiracy theories, from the imaginative to the ridiculous. "Squatch Watch" reimagines John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" through a lens of myth and mystery, enriched by the writing style of Wayne Shorter. "Birds Aren't Real" is rooted in the whimsical conspiracy theory that birds are government surveillance drones and combines elements of Charlie Parker's "Ornithology" with a selection of bird-related songs.

The band—Justin Dyar trumpet, Brian Stark saxophones and flute, Frank Niemeyer trombone, José Gobbo guitar, Kurt Reeder keyboards, and Maxwell Osawa drums, with Binder at the helm on bass—navigates the intricate compositions gracefully, with each player bringing a unique voice to the table. "Mandela Effect," and the more subdued 12-tone tune "Moonwalk," which is based on the conspiracy of the faked moon landing and Apollo 11, reflect the synergy of their performances.

Conspiracy Deliracy uses modern jazz and Binder's unabashed embrace of pop cultural phenomena to recontextualize a framework of jazz that is enjoyable to hear and may withstand many repeat listens. "Stevie Isn't Blind" and "Katy Is a Lizard" show Binder's ingenuity in blending elements of pop music with jazz in a playful way. These tracks offer a commentary on the pervasive culture of misinformation while giving us a musical experience that is layered and deeply engrained in the jazz tradition. Binder's compositions effectively balance an intricate harmonic language and rhythmic complexity with plenty of room for solos that reflect the ensemble improvisation fluidity. "Rush for Area 51" captures the chaotic essence of its namesake event through a musical motif drawn from iconic space-themed movies. The group improvisation effectively demonstrates the music's ability to evoke imagery and a narrative through sound. Binder and his ensemble have crafted an album that offers a listening experience that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable.